In July 2024, wildfires swept through Jasper National Park, causing widespread damage and triggering one of the largest evacuations in Canadian national park history. The fires left a profound impact — but in the years since, Jasper has been working on recovery, rebuilding, and restoring its natural beauty.
As we look toward 2026, many travelers are asking: What’s it like to visit Jasper now? This article explores where Jasper stands today, what’s changed, and what visitors can expect. Stay up to date on the events related to the wildfire with the official government updates.
Please keep in mind that this post was written in March of 2025, updated since then with the latest status. Last updated in Jan 2026.
Federal Support & Recovery Progress
In March 2025, the Government of Canada committed federal funding toward Jasper’s wildfire recovery and rebuilding efforts. This support helped advance infrastructure repairs, environmental restoration, and community recovery initiatives, many of which continued through 2025 and into 2026 as the region steadily reopened to visitors.
Camping Availability
Important updates for 2026:
Wabasso Campground and Whirlpool Group Campground are scheduled to remain closed for the 2026 camping season due to ongoing restoration and safety work.
Most other front country campgrounds (including sites at Whistlers, Miette, and Wapiti) are expected to be open, though operating dates and capacities may vary throughout the season.
Backcountry camping permits and reservations for 2026 are available through the Parks Canada Reservation Service with details on operating seasons and required passes.
Accessibility and Amenities
Major roads, including Highway 16 and all access routes to Jasper, are fully operational. The majority of businesses, including grocery stores and restaurants, have reopened, although a few still operate on reduced hours. Essential services are running smoothly, and residents have returned to normal routines. Visitors are encouraged to plan their accommodations in advance as demand remains high.
Looking forward to 2026, many hotels in the area have begun the process of taking in bookings.
Jasper Hotels that are open:
- Glacier View Lodge
- Miette Mountain Cabins
- Forest Park Hotel
- Chateau Jasper
- Tonquin Inn
- Jasper Park Lodge
Air Quality, Access, & Environmental Recovery (2026)
Air quality in Jasper National Park has stabilized and improved significantly since the 2024 wildfire season, with normal seasonal weather patterns helping to maintain clear conditions for visitors. While air quality is generally good, travelers with respiratory or other health concerns are advised to check real-time air quality updates before and during their visit.
Most trails, roads, and major attractions in Jasper are open to visitors, although some areas remain temporarily closed to support ongoing environmental restoration and safety assessments. For the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, road access, and park advisories, visitors should consult official sources such as Parks Canada and Alberta 511 when planning their trip.
Jasper’s natural landscapes are already showing visible signs of recovery, with new vegetation emerging in previously affected areas and wildlife gradually returning to their habitats. To help protect this recovery and ensure a sustainable visitor experience, travelers are encouraged to respect all restoration zones, follow posted signage, and remain on designated trails throughout the park.
Reopened Sites in 2026
Following the 2024 wildfire season, Jasper National Park steadily reopened its major attractions through late 2024 and 2025, allowing visitors to once again experience many of the park’s most iconic sites. Highlights such as the Columbia Icefield, Miette Hot Springs, Pyramid Lake, Maligne Lake, and Maligne Canyon have since reopened, along with Maligne Road and several surrounding day hiking trails. These reopenings marked an important step in Jasper’s recovery and helped restore access to key visitor areas.
As conditions continue to evolve, Parks Canada maintains an interactive map with real-time updates on open facilities, roads, and trails, which remains the best resource for planning a visit in 2026. Visitors are encouraged to check official Parks Canada updates regularly to ensure access, safety, and the most current information during their trip.
Can I join A tour?
Looking ahead to 2026, both the Rocky Mountaineer Train and VIA Rail are taking in bookings for their Rocky Mountain routes, and therefore expected to operate. To learn more about these two trains, read our Rocky Mountaineer Vs Via Rail comparision post.
For a step-by-step overview of routes, seasons, and planning timelines, see our Canadian Rockies Planning Guide.
Additionally, bus tours to Jasper are set to continue, though travelers should remain aware of potential changes due to ongoing restoration and weather conditions.
Coach Tours Featuring Jasper National Park
Circle West
Vancouver → Jasper → Banff → Lake Louise → Vancouver
- Day 1-4: Guided coach tour Banff, Jasper, & Lake Louise
- 3 Nights Accomodation
- 2 nights in Banff, 1 night in Jasper
- 3 Breakfasts
- Park Pass & Toll-fee
- Services of a mountain tour director
- Excursions to Maligne & Johnston Canyons
- Optional Activities: Ice Explorer tour, Banff Gondola ride
Western Trails
Vancouver → Jasper → Banff → Lake Louise → Calgary
- Day 1-3: Guided coach tour Banff, Jasper, & Lake Louise
- Day 4: Scenic coach journey from Banff to Calgary
- 3 Nights Accomodation: 2 nights in Banff, 1 night in Jasper
- 3 breakfasts
- Park Pass & Toll-fee
- Services of a mountain tour director
- Excursions to Maligne & Johnston Canyons
- Optional Activities: Ice Explorer tour, Banff Gondola ride
Western Classics
Calgary → Jasper → Banff → Lake Louise → Vancouver
- Day 1: Scenic coach journey from Calgary to Jasper
- Day 2-4: Guided coach tour Banff, Jasper, & Lake Louise
- 3 Nights Accomodation: 2 nights in Banff, 1 night in Jasper
- 3 breakfasts
- Park Pass & Toll-fee
- Services of a mountain tour director
- Excursions to Maligne & Johnston Canyons
- Optional Activities: Ice Explorer tour, Banff Gondola ride
Essential Articles - Canadian Rockies
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